Chapter 221

• Fern's Perspective
• Gradually, my mood began to calm, though my heart still felt heavy. I knew I had made the hardest decision of my life. The atmosphere in the car was quiet and oppressive; aside from the hum of the engine, there was almost no sound at all. Daniel leaned against my shoulder, his eyes fluttering open and closed occasionally, as if he was still lost in the view outside the window. My hand gently rested on his head, my fingers brushing through his hair, and there was an undeniable warmth inside me.
• I gazed out the window, watching the city's buildings recede further into the distance. The wheels of the car turned steadily, as though they were carrying away all my attachments. I had no idea what the future would hold or whether my decision would bring pain to my child, but I knew I couldn't let Giovanni continue to be a part of our lives.